LAYTON – Michelle Scharf has announced her intentions to run for the county commission seat being vacated by Louenda Downs.

Downs is not going to seek re-election this fall.

“I am committed to finding areas where Davis County can be more efficient with tax dollars,” she said in a press release.

“By utilizing technology and implementing input from each department, we an identify places where we can make improvements and spend more wisely,” Scharf said.

She has received endorsements from Sen. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, Rep. Stewart Barlow, R-Layton and Tooele County Commissioner Shawn Milne.

Scharf has been a Davis County resident since 1993. The Layton resident and her husband have two sons, two daughters and are grandparents of one.

Professionally, Scharf began her career in California when she opened a licensed day care center. Back in Utah, she became a licensed massage therapist.

Scharf has been a childbirth educator, certified in various methods, for more than 15 years. She has served on multiple boards in the childbirth community and has actively worked with leaders on legislative issues, the release said.

“In 2008, Michelle felt it was time to make a difference and embarked on a politically journey campaigning for Republican candidates,” the release said.

Within the Republican Party, she has been elected to serve on several boards. She currently serves as first vice-president of the Utah Federation of Republican Women, Davis County Executive Committee and the Davis County State Central Committee.

In addition, Scharf serves on the Constitution and Bylaws Committee for the State Republican Party.